CORVALLIS, OR - NOVEMBER 15: Syd'Quan Thompson #5 of the California Golden Bears runs against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium on November 15, 2008 in Corvalis, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Photo: Jonathan Ferrey, Getty Images

CORVALLIS, OR - NOVEMBER 15: Syd'Quan Thompson #5 of the...

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BERKELEY, CA - OCTOBER 04: Darian Hagan #26 of the California Golden Bears in action against the Arizona State Sun Devils during an NCAA football game at Memorial Stadium on October 4, 2008 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Photo: Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images

BERKELEY, CA - OCTOBER 04: Darian Hagan #26 of the California...

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California players Darian Hagan (26), Syd'Quan Thompson (5) and Tyson Alualu (44) celebrate after Thompson intercepted Washington State quarterback Gary Rogers in the first quarter of a college football game Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. California won 66-3. (AP Photo/Dean Hare)

Harris wouldn't elaborate from there about Cal's secondary, but the numbers and opponents' game plans do the trick as the teams prepare to meet in Saturday's Emerald Bowl. Bears cornerbacks Syd'Quan Thompson and Darian Hagan have developed into such outstanding players that teams are wondering why anybody throws against them or runs to their sides.

Thompson has 65 tackles, including 6 1/2 for a loss, a team-best four interceptions, 12 pass break-ups and two sacks. Hagan adds 48 tackles, including 2 1/2 for a loss, three picks, a team-best 15 pass break-ups and a forced and recovered fumble.

The backs have been a key to Cal's defensive turnaround, which went from the middle of the Pac-10 pack to near the top of the national statistics. The Bears rank second in completion percentage, third in interceptions, fifth in pass efficiency and in the top 10 in third- and fourth-down conversions.

"That's been the biggest thing: our corners," said senior linebacker Zack Follett, who was voted the team's defensive most valuable player. "We've got D-Hag on one side and Syd on the other, and they've been great all year. In years past, we've had the problem of teams going up top, and that's never been a problem this year.

"That's huge on defense."

In the Bears' most recent game, Washington learned the lesson that was readily visible on video and chose not to test the corners often. Still, Hagan and Thompson made an impact.

The Huskies completed no passes in four attempts to Hagan's man or zone, and he had two interceptions. Both of the passes toward Thompson were incomplete, and he added seven tackles and a 44-yard punt return.

Some, if not a lot, of the duo's play-making comes from competition with each other. Even in practice, when one intercepts a pass, the other is a play away from stopping a runner in the backfield.

"When I see Syd make a play, I think, 'OK, now I've got to do something,' " Hagan said. "We're already on an island as corners, and I don't want to leave him stranded. I want to do things that back him up."

It's rare to hear Hagan talking about being a backup to anyone. He has taken a vocal stance in the media and on the field, where, in the Big Game on Nov. 22, he led "Go Bears" chants moments before Stanford snapped the ball and attempted passes - which were incomplete - to his side.

Thompson, on the other hand, has a public image of being the guy in the background. He rarely shows emotion on the field and would rather say "yes" and "no" to questions than elaborating.

"He likes to portray that quiet act, but he'll come up and whisper some trash in the receiver's ear," Hagan said.

Thompson counters: "We're not as different as you think. Darian is quiet off the field, too, but when game time comes around, he let's his emotions take over. I'm more chill. I'm just trying to save energy."

They certainly balance each other on the field. Early in the season, teams went to Hagan's side because he was unproven, but he shined. When they thought they had lulled Thompson to sleep, they tried his side - bad results followed.

Both have played through injuries this season - Hagan a knee and sprained wrist, and Thompson a strained shoulder.

Each of them emerged via a different route. Hagan was a high school All-American with prototypical size (6-foot, 181 pounds) who waited two years to play. Thompson, 5-9, started as a redshirt freshman.

Hagan says he has worked harder than he knew possible, and Thompson says he has learned to use his mind to overcome any perceived physical shortcomings.

"(Thompson) may not be the tallest, but looking at him on film, you might think he's 6-foot-8," Miami's Harris said. "He plays like a giant on the field, because he makes such an impact. He's in on every tackle. If there's a ball thrown in the air, he's jumping right up there with you.

"Those are the types of players you want to play against, because they make you better."